Are you a person who likes to haggle and is going to Marrakech this summer, let me tell you, you have chosen the perfect place to practice this healthy habit that occurs between buyers and sellers. To make you feel at your best, we recommend you go to the Souk of Marrakech, in the market area. They have everything imaginable there and make you live the fantasy of living in the thousand and one nights.
Most markets and the largest ones are located primarily in the northern part of Jemaa el-Fna, considered a tourist area. There you will walk through history between the labyrinthine alleys of the souk, the city´s central market. You must be patient while walking, look and focus on the many visual stimuli. Is always chaotic and there is always a crowded audience, so we recommend you take a small camera and do not carry too much stuff because you can forget it lost in such a wonderfully area.
Do not panic by the harassment of the vendors, nor accept the first offer, because bargaining is a hobby that makes everyone happy and part of the ancestral culture. There are several areas and each specializes in certain products and activities. There are many craft workshops, as centuries ago, where you can find carpenters, tailors, blacksmiths, etc.., Offering their wonderful creations and products.
Try to go early, it´s nice because it is so hot and you can walk calmly. The premises are open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 20:00 pm. Some stores close at midday when it is lunch time. The souks cater even on Sundays and holidays.
Watch what you´re buying, note any damage or failure because if there is a problem there is no bill and you will have trouble to change it or return it.
The main routes are rue Souk Smarine and rue Mouassine. Rue Souk Smarine is covered to protect pedestrians from the harsh sun and in that way you can reach Souk-el-Kebir, where you will find carpet, jewelry, traditional clothing, leather goods and some electronic products as well as imported items. You can also reach Souk-el-Attarin, where you will enjoy seeing the bright dyes, dyed wool hanging from bamboo sticks, buy beautiful fabrics, spices and metal objects. Rue Mouassine is quieter and has many places with more sophisticated products and good quality.
If you want to feel like a king with your partner go to the magnificent Abidi Nasser Eddine and buy a jewel. Here each piece is a work of art and there are ancient and modern designs. It is located at the end of rue Souk Smarine, shop No. 9.
If you want to rest and eat something the Arab Marrakesh Café is the place to go. With traditional architecture it is the ideal place for a drink or coffee after a long walk through the Souk, it has a dream terrace to enjoy some of the exotic local food specialties and some Italian cuisine. Located on rue Mouassine 184.
For more information: http://www.voyagerguide.com/marrakech/de-compras-por-marrakech.php
Nancy Guzman
If you have you luggage ready to enjoy your summer in apartments in Marrakech, do not forget to go to the souk, the most entertaining panorama of the city in which to buy or simply watch the bystanders.
